follower

noun

fol·​low·​er ˈfä-lə-wər 

1

a

: one in the service of another : retainer

b

: one that follows the opinions or teachings of another

c

: one that imitates another

2

archaic : one that chases

3

: a sheet added to the first sheet of an indenture or other deed

4

: a machine part that receives motion from another part

5

: a spring-loaded plate at the bottom of a firearm's magazine that angles cartridges for proper insertion into the chamber

6

: fan, devotee

7

: one who subscribes to a feed especially on social media

His account has thousands of followers.

Synonyms

• adherent
• disciple

Choose the Right Synonym for follower

follower, adherent, disciple, partisan mean one who gives full loyalty and support to another.

follower may apply to people who attach themselves either to the person or beliefs of another.

an evangelist and his followers

adherent suggests a close and persistent attachment.

adherents to Marxism

disciple implies a devoted allegiance to the teachings of one chosen as a master.

disciples of Gandhi

partisan suggests a zealous often prejudiced attachment.

partisans of the President

Examples of follower in a Sentence

The party drew most of its followers from among young people.

The band has a large group of followers.

He had a reputation of being a follower, not a leader.

Recent Examples on the Web

Now, Team Derbez is going all in on a family production company to harness the power of their collective social footprint of more than 180 million followers. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 3 Oct. 2025

Grandpa’s Cellar now has more than 16,000 followers on Instagram and nearly 10,000 on Facebook, much of which Kelsey attributed to his wife’s efforts to engage the community with the picturesque drinks. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025

Taylor Swift’s 35-year-old fiancé delivers his own marketing might with more than 8 million Instagram followers. —Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 3 Oct. 2025

The singers are at the forefront of an emerging Afro-Khaleeji club sound, with just a few followers on Instagram. —Camilla Wright, semafor.com, 3 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing follower

• camp follower

Kids Definition

follower

noun

fol·​low·​er ˈfäl-ə-wər 

1

: attendant entry 2 sense 1

2

: supporter, adherent

3

: disciple sense 1

4

: one who subscribes to a feed especially on social media